On 8th August 2024, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) conducted a thorough review of Pakistan’s progress in addressing racial discrimination, livecast on UN Web TV. Ahead of the review, IDSN submitted a report outlining significant concerns about ongoing caste-based discrimination, particularly against Dalits, and provided detailed recommendations for the Pakistani government.

During the review, the Pakistani government presented its efforts to protect minorities, prevent bonded labour and address forced conversions. However, the CERD Committee expressed significant concerns about the effectiveness of these measures. The Committee pointed out that while Pakistan’s 1956 Constitution explicitly prohibited caste discrimination and untouchability, subsequent constitutions shifted the focus to discrimination against religious minorities, leaving many vulnerable groups, including Dalits, without adequate protection.

The CERD Committee further urged the Pakistani Government to provide detailed information on the implementation of laws meant to protect minority rights as well as on the targeted measures taken to prevent bonded labour affecting many minorities including Dalits. The Committee specifically highlighted the need for comprehensive data collection on the socio-economic status of Dalits and other marginalised groups.

Another area of key concern for Committee members was the issue of forced conversions, marriages and abductions of minority girls and women. This is a serious human rights issues faced by Dalit communities in Pakistan.

The Committee also noted the ongoing educational discrimination faced by Dalit children, particularly girls, whose parents often fear for their safety. This discrimination significantly limits their access to education and future opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage. The Pakistan delegation were asked to elaborate on what was being done to combat this.

Despite assurances from the Pakistani delegation about the Government’s commitment to human rights and anti-discrimination, the CERD Committee made it urged that much more should be done. The call for the enactment of laws like the Sindh Protection of Communal Properties of Minorities Act, 2013 and for targeted measures to protect the rights of Dalits and other minority groups, underscores the urgency of addressing these deep-rooted issues.

The review highlights the critical need for Pakistan to continue the work they are doing and also take concrete steps to protect its most vulnerable communities from discrimination and abuse. The Government of Pakistan will submit detailed answers in writing in addition to the oral answers given at the review. This will be reflected in the Concluding Observations once these are published.

For further information, the full IDSN report provides an in-depth analysis and recommendations.

Key recommendations from IDSN as posted on X:

 

1/ 🚫 End Caste-Based Discrimination! Adopt legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of caste and take effective and immediate measures to ensure its implementation #CasteGenderJustice

2/ 🔨 Abolish Bonded Labour! Ensure the effective implementation of the Bonded Labour System Abolition Act and activate District Vigilance Committees to monitor and rehabilitate bonded labourers #EndSlavery

3/ 📚 Education for Dalit Children! Implement measures to improve access to quality education for Dalit children, particularly girls, to break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy #NoCasteLeftBehind

4/ 🏥 Better Healthcare for All! Improve healthcare infrastructure in rural areas and Scheduled Caste localities, ensuring access to basic services such as sanitation and clean water

5/ ⚖️ Enforce laws to end forced marriages and conversions! Pakistan must urgently strengthen the enforcement of laws prohibiting forced marriages and conversions of Dalit girls and women

6/ 📊 Data for Progress! Collect and publish disaggregated data on the socio-economic status of Dalits, including their access to employment, education, healthcare, and other basic services.

7/ 📝 IDSN Submission on Pakistan to CERD! – Learn more in the report by IDSN addressing critical issues of caste-based discrimination and human rights in Pakistan 📄 https://idsn.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pakistan-CERD-Submission_IDSN_2024.pdf